Reece James reacts to mason Mount moment during Chelsea dramatic victory Chelsea vs Man United

Reece James reacts to mason Mount moment during Chelsea dramatic victory Chelsea vs Man United

Reece James was spotted clapping Mason Mount as the former Chelsea midfielder was introduced for Manchester United on Thursday evening.

Mount made his first return to Chelsea last night since completing his summer move to Old Trafford, introduced as a substitute late on with his side 3-2 up on the night.

Plenty of boos could be heard as the Englishman made his way onto the field of play, though James was seen applauding his old team-mate by the TV cameras.

The pair progressed through the Chelsea academy together and were part of Frank Lampard’s youthful side of the 2019/20 season, which saw a number of young prospects afforded opportunities to shine due to the club’s transfer embargo at the time.

It ended up being a homecoming to forget for Mount, whose United side conceded twice deep into stoppage time to lose 4-3. The 25-year-old cut a frustrated figure at the full-time whistle, and understandably so, after seeing his side throw away a win in the dying embers for the second game in succession.

Mount was heavily criticised during the summer for choosing Old Trafford as his next destination, though there have been many conflicting reports as to whether or not the 2021 Champions League winner truly wanted to depart. Offering his take on this situation at his press conference ahead of Thursday’s game, United boss Erik ten Hag said: “I don’t think they wanted to sell him.

“They wanted to keep him and offered him a new contract many times. But he wanted to make this step. We are very pleased he is a Manchester United player because he has great abilities and will contribute and become a big player for Manchester United.”